Future of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church Remains Uncertain

The future of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in South Portland remains up in the air after a weekend meeting of parishioners. The church’s finance committee has recommended that the church be closed by June 30. The problem is a lack of cash. The church’s annual income of $180,000 doesn’t cover the $200,000 in annual expenses. The 60-year-old boilers are on their last legs. Church property requires other expensive repairs. At the same time, the congregation is small and shrinking. Most parishioners agree that the church should be closed, but on Sunday wanted some questions answered before making a final decision. Among those questions are whether the sale of some church property could help the parish stay open. The final decision rests with the bishop.